Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a single platform and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said single platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface.

The present invention relates to devices to exercise and strengthen the musculature of the body, mobilise the joints and train the nervous system for better balance and proprioception.

BACKGROUND

In conditioning the body for body weight, weight bearing exercise, it is often desirable and necessary to use certain exercise devices to support and carry part of the body weight. The exercise or stability ball is perhaps the most common device used in this capacity and many devices exist where a planer surface rolls bi-directionally in a planer motion within track; the pilates reformer, the SRF Board and the Total Gym and Gravity System are common examples.

The limitation of an exercise ball is that while it rolls in any direction on a planer surface, it does so in an axial motion meaning that as the user reaches the end of range of a movement, they lose contact with the device. The limitation of devices running in tracks is that they are limited to two directions and one plane of motion and also limited to the length of the track or base.

Some devices are known which allow for limited multidirectional movement over a supporting surface, but typically these are supported on four rolling elements such as castors. This configuration has a high propensity for a device so constructed to tip or flip in certain applications, especially when a supported limb of a user approaches the outer edge of the platform of the device.

Other limiting features of these designs include;

-   -   Handles or irregular padding on the outer rim or on the upper         surface which direct and limit the manner and direction in which         the exercises are applied.     -   A generally non uniform upper supporting surface     -   Limitations on the use of the entire working area of the upper         supporting surface in this instance referring to inability of         the user to significantly change the angle and point of contact         of the supported limb and body part     -   Support offered by the handles or padding generally directs the         user towards short lever body weight exercises supporting the         elbows and knees but less optimally the hand/s or foot/feet.

The above product design features and limitations do not facilitate free movement or expression, do not support continuous changes of direction of every major joint through every angle and plane of movement and do not offer the stability to move in every direction while changing the contact point of the supported limb without flipping or tipping.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Notes

-   1. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the     invention, is not an admission that any information discussed     therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge     of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device consisting of a unitary platform and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface.

Preferably said device characterized in that each tipping axis of said device is no longer than 0.6 D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform.

Preferably, each said tipping axis is defined as a line joining points of contact between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supporting surface.

Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form an equi-spaced array.

Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said platform.

Preferably, an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping axis.

Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling elements.

Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface.

Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a concave central portion.

Preferably, said circular platform is provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of said rim.

Preferably, said concave central portion is provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of a user.

Preferably, said concave central portion is covered by a replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam.

Preferably, said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors.

Preferably, said swivelling castors are low offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said periphery.

Preferably, said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform.

Preferably, wheels of said castors are of a non marking resilient material.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72 degrees.

Preferably, a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no greater than 0.6 D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said platform.

In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a circular platform mounted on an array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said         omnidirectional rolling elements,     -   (b) positioning said rolling elements proximate the periphery of         said circular platform,     -   and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of         said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length         than 0.6 D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that said platform is polygonal in shape; sides of said polygon equalling said at least five rolling elements and wherein each of said rolling elements is located proximate a corner of said platform; each tipping axis of said device being substantially equal in length to a said side of said polygon.

Preferably, said polygon is an octagon and wherein said at least five rolling elements comprise eight rolling elements.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that each of said rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending from a periphery of said platform; the arrangement being such that each tipping axis of said device lies beyond said periphery.

Preferably, said platform is circular.

Preferably, said platform is octagonal; one outrigger elements extending from each corner of said octagon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective of an alternative upper structure arrangement of the exercise device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the geometric principles underlying the stability of the device of FIG. 1 when provided with a minimum of five omnidirectional rolling elements,

FIG. 4 is a further illustration of the geometric principles when the device is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 is view from below of the exercise device of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention showing a circular unitary platform,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention showing a polygonal unitary platform,

FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8,

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 9,

FIG. 12 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 11,

FIG. 13 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 10,

FIGS. 14 to 17 are views of a single device according to the invention in one example of use in which both feet are placed on the platform,

FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of the device in use in which a single foot is placed on the platform,

FIG. 20 is a view of the device in use in which the hands are placed on the platform,

FIG. 21 is a view of the invention in use in which two devices are used simultaneously.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a further alternative embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, the exercise device 10 of the present invention in a first preferred form, comprises a unitary platform 12 (that is, one single platform) at an underside of which are attached at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14. Preferably, platform is circular as shown in FIG. 1 and may have a generally planar upper surface 22. Preferably the device 10 is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements 14 in the form of castors 16. Platform 12 may be fabricated from any suitable material such as for example, injection moulded polymer, laminated plywood or solid timber, and die-cast metal alloy.

Omnidirectional rolling elements 14 are mounted as close as possible to the periphery 18 of platform 12, and form an equi-spaced array. A feature of the exercise device of the invention is that its inherent stability is defined by the relationship of each of the tipping axes 20 of the device to the maximum dimension which may be measured between opposing edges of the platform.

A tipping axis 20 is defined as the line joining the points of contact 24 with a supporting surface, of adjoining rolling elements. In the case of the minimum number of five rolling elements equally spaced in an array, the angle supported by a tipping axis at the centre of the array is 72 degrees. A limiting feature of the present invention includes that the angle subtended by a tipping axis of the device at the centre of the array of equally spaced rolling elements cannot be greater than 72 degrees.

An object of the invention is to limit the propensity for tipping of the device to the point, where in normal use, the weight of a user's body, or portion thereof, placed anywhere on the device, is unlikely to cause tilting or tipping of the device. To this end the at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14 of the device 10 are mounted as close to the periphery 26 of platform 12 as mechanical constraints permit.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rolling elements 14 are swivelling castors 16, the pintles 28 of which are located closely proximate the periphery 26 of platform 12. Preferably, castors 16 are low offset castors, that is the distance between the vertical pintle (or swivelling) axis 30 of the castor and its horizontal wheel axis 32 is a minimum required for the castor to swivel according to the direction of motion applied to the vertical pintle axis. This ensures that the circle of rotation of the castor about its swivel axis 30 is kept to a minimum. This in turn maintains the footprint defined by the points of contact 24 of the castor wheels 34 with the supporting surface closely coextensive with the platform of the device, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows the relevant geometric relationship between the castor wheel point of contact footprints 110, the maximum length of a tipping axis 120 for a circular platform, and the minimum five rolling elements of the device 100. It can be shown that for practical purposes the ratio of the tipping axis 120 to the maximum dimension of the platform 112, in this case the diameter D, is approximately 0.6 D. It is a further limiting feature of the present invention that the length of any tipping axis is not greater than 0.6 D.

FIG. 4 shows the equivalent geometry for the preferred array of eight omnidirectional rolling elements which clearly indicates that any number of rolling elements greater than five will have a tipping axis length shorter than 0.6 D. It will also be understood from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 that the commensurate overhang area 122 (and hence the propensity for tipping) decreases with the increasing number of rolling elements.

Turning now again to FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the castors 16 are low profile castors to keep the upper surface as low as possible. Castors 16 also preferably incorporate relatively wide profile wheels 34, the outer rim of which at least is of a resilient non-marking material, such as polyurethane of 50 ShoreA hardness for example. The castor chassis may be of pressed metal, stainless steel or aluminium, or be a metal casting, or even of injection moulded plastic.

FIG. 2 shows a further preferred upper surface in which the central portion is concave and provided with a number of raised annular rings or ridges 35 to provide a better grip for the limb or portion of a user's body resting on the device. The raised rings may be integral with the surface of the concave central portion 36, or is preferably formed as a concave mat of resilient material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of 30 to 60 ShoreA hardness, expanded EVA/PVC (closed cell) foam. It could also be formed of a self adhesive layer of high friction of coefficient material such as the “sandpaper” surface used in skateboards. In at least one preferred arrangement, the mat covering the central portion 36 is a replaceable item and may be provided in a number of selectable material and patterns.

Raised outer peripheral rim 38 covering the attachment pintle bolts of the castors, assists to urge a user's contact with the device inboard of the rim.

Second Preferred Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this second preferred embodiment, the platform 112 is in the form of a polygon, preferably an eight-side regular polygon or octagon. In this arrangement the omnidirectional rolling elements 114 are located proximate each corner 119 of the platform 112, as close to each corner 119 as the mechanical constraints of mounting the rolling elements will permit.

It can be inferred from FIG. 6 that the maximum overhang 140 of the platform 112 beyond any tipping axis 120 is much reduced, and that the tipping axes are substantially equal to the length of the sides of the polygon. In the preferred use of castors as rolling elements, it is a function of the proximity of the mounting position of the castor swivel axis to the platform periphery, the offset distance of the castor wheel point of contact to the swivel axis and the disposition of the castor wheels at any given instant.

Third Preferred Embodiment

In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 7, the device 210 again comprises a platform 212 which may be circular (as shown in FIG. 7) or polygonal, and which is supported by at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 216. In this embodiment however the rolling elements 216 are mounted to outrigger elements 217 extending from the periphery of platform 212.

In the arrangement of FIG. 7 the outrigger elements 217 are equally spaced around the periphery of platform 212. In the instance of a polygonal platform, an outrigger element is located at each corner of the platform. Preferably the omnidirectional rolling elements are castors having the same low profile and low offset as those described above. The length of each outrigger element 217 is such that each tipping axis 220 (as defined above) lies completely beyond the periphery 242 of platform.

This arrangement provides that the device cannot be tipped about a tipping axis by any application of the body weight of a user at any point on platform 212.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the exercise device 200 is again comprised of a single piece, unitary construction, platform 210, surmounting at least five, preferably eight, rolling elements 212. Platform 210 may be circular as shown in FIG. 8 or in the form of a regular polygon as shown in FIG. 9.

Preferably, platform 210 has a slightly concave upper surface 214, unobstructed by handles, strap attachment points or other projections or indentation. The platform 210 is of a size that allows two limbs, for example two hands or two feet of a user as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 17 and FIG. 20 to be placed in any desired position on the surface 214 simultaneously. Moreover, the platform 210 preferably is large enough to allow a repositioning of one or both of the limbs supported on it as the device 200 is in rolling motion over a supporting surface. Preferably, the maximum dimension of the platform from a point on the periphery 216 to a diametrically opposite point, is not less than 34 cm.

The unitary platform 210 may be formed from various materials and manufactured in various ways. These include wood, for example as moulded plywood, plastic formed through injection moulding or metal formed by pressing or die casting.

The rolling elements 212 are preferably low-profile castors and are mounted with their swivel or pintel axes 218 as close to the periphery 216 of the platform 210 as mechanical constraints permit.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, at any time, a line between the contact points of two adjacent castor wheels 212 with a supporting surface, defines a tipping axis 220 of the device 200, and the polygon defined by all the tipping axes 220 forms the “footprint” of the device on the supporting surface.

It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that the disposition of the tipping axes 220, and hence that of the footprint relative to the platform 210, changes with the instantaneous direction of movement of the device when in use. It will also be appreciated that the greater the number, and therefore the closer the spacing of the rolling elements 212 at the periphery 216, the closer the footprint and the platform become to being substantially coextensive. With the preferred number of eight equally spaced rolling elements 212 mounted with their swivel axes 218 in close proximity to the platform periphery 216, the platform and the footprint are substantially coextensive, as can be seen particularly in the case of the polygonal platform in FIG. 12. If the platform 200 is a regular polygon in shape, with the swivel axes 218 of the castors located sufficiently close to the corners 222 of the polygon as shown in FIG. 11, at least some of the tipping axes 220 at any one time will be substantially coincident with the periphery 216 of the platform 210 when seen in plan view.

In at least one preferred arrangement of the present embodiment, in which the platform is octagonal with each of the castors located in close proximity to the corners of the platform, at least one tipping axis lies beyond a side of the platform (when seen in plan view) for at least some of the time when the device is in motion2. This situation can be seen in FIG. 12.

As well, as also can be seen in each of FIGS. 10 to 13, at least some portions of some of the rolling elements at the trailing edge of edges of the platform 210, relative to the direction of motion, will project past the periphery 216 of the platform.

It is a feature of the present preferred embodiment that, with eight rolling elements 212 in which the swivel axes 218 are mounted in close proximity to the periphery 216, the length of any tipping axis 220 is not less than 0.35 D, where D is the maximum length between any first point on the periphery of the platform and a second diametrically opposite point on the periphery.

Similarly, with the swivel axis of the rolling elements in close proximity to the periphery, a seven rolling element device according to the invention will have a tipping axis of length not less than 0.4 D, for a six rolling element device a tipping axis of length not less than 0.45 D, and for a five rolling element device, a tipping axis length of not less than 0.53 D.

For each of these rolling element configurations, these minimum lengths of tipping axes provide the maximum stability possible for a platform with castor rolling elements, unless the rolling elements are mounted in the manner shown in FIG. 7 and described in the Third Preferred Embodiment above.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

In a further alternative embodiment of the device 300 with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the rolling elements may take the form of ball transfer units 316. Again these units 316 are mounted as close to the periphery 326 as mechanical constraints permit to ensure maximum stability of the platform 312, regardless of the placing of one or both limbs of a user.

Ball transfer units 316 which comprise of a spherical rolling element 334 supported in a casing which allows the rolling element to rotate in any direction, have a fixed point of contact with a supporting surface relative to the platform. Thus the footprint of the device of the invention when fitted with this type of rolling element is constant, as can be seen in FIG. 23. Depending on the size of the ball transfer units 316 employed and the proximity of their mounting to the periphery 326 of the platform 312, the footprint defined by the tipping axes 320 of the device in this instance may be only slightly smaller than the platform itself.

In Use

In use, the exercise device of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is almost incapable of being tilted about a tipping axis as defined above, by the loads placed on the device by a user. Moreover, the unobstructed upper surface provides the flexibility of supporting a limb or portion of the body in any orientation. The preferred use of low offset castors for the omnidirectional rolling elements provide for almost instantaneous response to changes of direction urged by movements of the user.

By arranging the shape of the platform as a polygon with the rolling elements located proximate each corner, the region of possible overhang of the platform beyond a tipping axis, is reduced to a minimum, further decreasing the likelihood of the device being tipped.

The arrangement of the third preferred embodiment completely precludes the tipping of the device about a tipping axis, by any application of body weight to the platform.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

1. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device consisting of a unitary platform and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said device characterized in that each tipping axis of said device is no longer than 0.6 D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein each said tipping axis is defined as a line joining points of contact between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supporting surface.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form an equi-spaced array.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said platform.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping axis.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling elements.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a concave central portion.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein said circular platform is provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of said rim.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein said concave central portion is provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of a user.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein said concave central portion is covered by a replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein said swivelling castors are low offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said periphery.
 15. The device of claim 10 wherein said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform.
 16. The device of claim 13 wherein wheels of said castors are of a non marking resilient material.
 17. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72 degrees.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no greater than 0.6 D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said platform.
 19. A method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a circular platform mounted on an array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps of: (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said omnidirectional rolling elements, (b) positioning said rolling elements proximate the periphery of said circular platform, and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6 D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform. 20-36. (canceled) 